Improv theatre program helps kids who stutter speak up

Stuttering can lead to anxiety, social stigma and low confidence, but an Australian-first improv theatre program is giving young people who stutter a new way to be heard.

Developed by the University of South Australia and co-designed with young people who stutter, the free six-week program uses interactive theatre games to build communicative confidence, engagement and social participation.

Funded by the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation, the project combines acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with group work and improvisational play. It’s the first Australian study to examine improv as a therapeutic tool for stuttering, and the research team is now recruiting more children and teenagers aged 7–15 to join the next trial groups.

Stuttering affects the flow and fluency of speech, often showing up as difficulty starting words, repeating sounds or extending syllables. People who stutter usually know exactly what they want to say—they just can’t always get the words out smoothly.

Associate researcher Dr Cameron Raynes, who also stutters, says improv might seem unlikely at first, but it offers real promise.

“Kids and teens who stutter often deal with anxiety, low self-esteem, bullying and social isolation. Many choose to speak less just to avoid being teased,” Dr Raynes says.

“But stuttering isn’t something to be ashamed of. This program encourages young people to feel included, enjoy speaking, and treat mistakes as part of the fun rather than something to fear.

“We’re asking them to stay present, take small risks, connect with others, and try things they wouldn’t normally do.”

More than 10,500 children in South Australia live with a communication disability, yet many struggle to access the support they need. Children make up 60% of people with communication disabilities who say they cannot get adequate assistance.

Lead investigator Dr Michelle Swift says children and teenagers who stutter are significantly underserviced.

“There is a real need for accessible, affordable and effective treatment,” Dr Swift says.

“Publicly funded speech pathology for stuttering ends at age four in South Australia, even though stuttering can start later—sometimes well into the primary years.

“And because stuttering is not typically covered under the NDIS, families without the means for private therapy are left with no options. The effects can be long-term and far-reaching, from education to employment to mental health.”

The improv program aims to shift that gap. It’s one of the few treatment options in the state for school-aged children and teens, and it has been shaped directly by young people with lived experience to ensure the sessions are fun and engaging.

Archer, 12, helped co-design the program and is part of the first trial group. He says he especially enjoys connecting with other kids, including Oscar, 10, and Jason, 11.

Their favourite games include:

• I’m a … – where each child names an object or profession and others continue the scene

• Build a Machine – creating a collaborative “machine” with repeating movements and sounds

• Knife and Fork – a non-verbal game where kids form pairs of objects using only their bodies

Asked whether others should join, the trio had no hesitation.

“You get gift cards to play games!” Oscar says. “What could be better than that?”

The research team is now recruiting across three age groups: 7–9, 10–12 and 13–15. Participants complete questionnaires and video tasks before and after the workshops, plus a follow-up three months later. The program includes two hour-long sessions each week for six weeks, and is free to attend.

To register interest, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/gqUXH9DwqB